Is Chromium a Metal or Nonmetal? (+ 3 Facts to Know)

Chromium is a metal. It is a hard, silvery-gray metal with a blue tinge. ¹ It is one of the most important metals in the world, and is used in a wide variety of applications, including stainless steel, chrome plating, and pigments. ²

Well, this was just a simple answer. But there are few more things to know about this topic which will make your concept super clear.

So let’s dive right into it.

Explanation: Why is chromium a metal?

Chromium is a metal because it has the characteristics and properties of a metal. It is a hard, lustrous, silvery-white metal that is highly resistant to corrosion. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and it is ductile and malleable, meaning it can be easily shaped into different forms.

Chromium is also classified as a transition metal, which is a group of metals that have partially filled d orbitals in their atomic structure. ³

Transition metals typically exhibit similar properties, including their ability to form colored compounds and to act as catalysts in chemical reactions. ^{4 5}

In addition to its physical and chemical properties, chromium also has a number of practical applications that are associated with its metallic properties.

For example, it is commonly used as a component in alloys, such as stainless steel, that are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. ⁶

Chromium is also used in the production of chrome plating, which is a process that adds a layer of chromium to a metal object to improve its appearance and increase its resistance to wear and tear. ⁷

Properties of chromium that classify it as a metal

The properties of chromium that classify it as a metal include:

• Metallic luster: Chromium has a bright, shiny, and reflective surface, which is a characteristic feature of metals.
• High melting and boiling points: Chromium has a high melting point of 1,907 °C and a boiling point of 2,671 °C, which are typical of metals. ⁸
• Good conductor of electricity and heat: Chromium is a good conductor of electricity and heat, which is a property that is typical of metals.
• Ductility: Chromium is ductile, meaning it can be drawn into wires without breaking, which is a property of metals. ⁹
• Malleability: Chromium is malleable, meaning it can be easily hammered into thin sheets or shapes without breaking, which is another characteristic property of metals. ¹⁰
• High density: Chromium has a high density of 7.19 g/cm³, which is typical of metals. ¹¹
• Corrosion resistance: Chromium has a high resistance to corrosion, which is a property that is highly valued in many industrial applications.
• Magnetic properties: Chromium is magnetic, which is a property that is characteristic of many metals. ¹²

Overall, the combination of these properties makes chromium a typical metal with a range of practical applications.

How is chromium different from other metals?

Chromium has several unique properties that distinguish it from other metals:

• High corrosion resistance: Chromium has a very high resistance to corrosion, making it particularly useful in applications where exposure to corrosive environments is a concern. This property is due to the formation of a thin layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the metal, which acts as a protective barrier. ¹³
• Unique crystal structure: Chromium has a unique crystal structure that is different from most other metals. It has a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure at room temperature, which gives it a particularly high strength and hardness.
• Colorful compounds: Chromium forms colorful compounds that are used in a variety of applications, including pigments, dyes, and tanning agents. For example, chromium compounds are used to make the distinctive green color of emeralds and the red color of rubies. ^{14 15}
• Unique oxidation states: Chromium has several oxidation states that are not commonly seen in other metals. For example, it can exist in the +6 oxidation state, which is a particularly powerful oxidizing agent. ¹⁶
• Health effects: Chromium has both positive and negative health effects. While some forms of chromium are essential micronutrients that play a vital role in glucose metabolism, other forms of chromium can be toxic, causing respiratory problems and cancer when inhaled. ^{17 18 19 20}

Overall, these unique properties make chromium a valuable and versatile metal with a range of applications in various fields, including metallurgy, chemistry, and medicine.

Further reading

Is Iron a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Cobalt a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Nickel a Metal?
Is Copper a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Zinc a Metal or a Nonmetal? 

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